Afghanistan faces major displacement crisis, UN agencies say

Afghanistan is confronting one of the world’s largest displacement crises, according to a joint statement issued by United Nations agencies on Monday. The country’s fragile humanitarian situation has been compounded by chronic poverty, widespread drought, and a series of recent earthquakes that have devastated infrastructure and displaced thousands of families across the north and eastern provinces.

The agencies cited that over 1.2 million Afghans are currently internally displaced, with many more seeking refuge in neighboring countries. Drought has crippled agricultural output, driving rural populations to cities in search of food and employment, while the seismic activity has destroyed homes, schools, and health facilities, further eroding the already strained social safety nets. Humanitarian organisations are calling for urgent international assistance to provide shelter, food, clean water, and medical care to the affected communities.

In its conclusion, the UN briefing urged member states to increase funding for emergency relief and long‑term reconstruction efforts, emphasizing that sustained support is essential to prevent the displacement crisis from escalating into a broader regional security threat.